Certified Rhythm Analysis Technician (CRAT) Practice Exam

The proper approach for modifying the ECG procedure for a pregnant patient involves placing the patient slightly on her left side and noting the number of months pregnant. This positioning is ideal because it helps to minimize pressure on the inferior vena cava, a major blood vessel that can be compressed in a supine position during the later stages of pregnancy, potentially affecting blood flow and influencing the ECG readings.

Documenting the number of months pregnant is important for context in interpreting the ECG. Pregnancy can alter some physiological parameters, such as heart rate and blood volume, and proper documentation aids healthcare professionals in understanding these changes when analyzing the results.

These factors together make this option the most suitable when conducting an ECG on a pregnant patient, as it ensures patient safety and preserves the quality of the diagnostic reading.